Understanding the Developing Child Series (UDC)

Course 2: The Developing Brain and the Role of Experience

Explore how the brain develops, how experiences shape it, and what this means for teaching and learning.

A child’s brain is shaped not only by biology but also by relationships, experiences, interactions, and the environment in which they grow. Understanding how these influences work together helps educators create learning experiences that support brain development and lay the foundations for lifelong learning.

The Developing Brain and the Role of Experience, the second course in Kai CIRCLE’s Understanding the Developing Child (UDC) professional learning series, explores the fundamental principles of brain development and the powerful role experiences play in shaping children’s developing brains. Participants examine how the brain changes over time, how neural connections are strengthened through experience, and why responsive relationships and enriching environments matter for learning and development.

Through research-informed discussions, reflection, and classroom-connected application, educators explore how everyday teaching practices, interactions, routines, and learning environments can support children’s developing brains. The course encourages participants to connect insights from neuroscience with thoughtful pedagogical decisions, creating experiences that nurture curiosity, engagement, and meaningful learning.

Who is this course for?

This course is ideal for:

• Early years educators who want to understand the foundations of brain development during the early years.

• Primary and secondary school teachers interested in how experience, environment, and learning shape the developing brain across childhood.

• Subject teachers across all grades and curricula seeking to connect insights from neuroscience with everyday classroom practice.

• Academic coordinators and school leaders who want to strengthen developmentally informed approaches to teaching and learning.

• Educators at any stage of their careers who wish to move beyond common assumptions about the brain and make research-informed decisions in their practice.

Whether you work with young children or older learners, this course helps you understand the relationship between brain development and experience — and how your everyday practice can make a meaningful difference.

Understand the developing brain. Shape experiences that help learners thrive.

Part of Kai CIRCLE’s Understanding the Developing Child (UDC) professional learning series.